Amitiza (lubiprostone) increases the secretion of fluid in your intestines to help make it easier to pass stools (bowel movements).
Amitiza is used to treat chronic constipation, or constipation caused by opioid (narcotic) pain medicine. It may also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in women with constipation as the main symptom.
Amitiza is for use only in adults.
Amitiza may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not take Amitiza if you have severe diarrhea. Call your doctor for instructions.
A nursing baby could develop diarrhea if the mother takes Amitiza while breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby, and talk with your doctor if the baby develops diarrhea.
You may have tightness in your chest or feel short of breath within 1 hour after taking Amitiza. This side effect should go away within 3 hours, but it may occur again when you take your next dose. Talk with your doctor if this side effect becomes bothersome.
Call your doctor at once if you have severe or ongoing nausea or diarrhea.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Amitiza if you have a blockage in your digestive tract, or if you have severe diarrhea.
To make sure Amitiza is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any other cause for obstruction in your gastrointestinal (digestive) system, such as:
Also tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Amitiza will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether lubiprostone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. However, a nursing baby could develop diarrhea if the mother takes Amitiza while breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby, and talk with your doctor if the baby develops diarrhea.
This medicine should not be given to a child.
How should I take Amitiza?
Amitiza is usually taken twice daily. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take Amitiza with food or milk.
Drink a full glass of water when you take this medication.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open a Amitiza capsule. Swallow it whole.
You may have tightness in your chest or feel short of breath within 1 hour after taking Amitiza. This side effect should go away within 3 hours, but it may occur again when you take your next dose. Talk with your doctor if this side effect becomes bothersome.
Do not take Amitiza if you have severe diarrhea. Call your doctor for instructions.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Amitiza side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Amitiza: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have severe or ongoing nausea or diarrhea.
Common Amitiza side effects may include:
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mild nausea, stomach pain;
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mild diarrhea, gas, bloating; or
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headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Amitiza?
Other drugs may interact with Amitiza, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
